What body function is essential for adequate drug excretion?
available blood supply
available receptor sites
adequate liver function
adequate kidney function
4
Biotransformation occurs mainly in the
kidneys
lungs
liver
small intestine
3
Teratogenic drugs should be avoided in which patient population?
Pregnant patients
Elderly patients
Infant patients
Adolescent patients
1
Tablets that are classified as enteric-coated are
applied to a small area, then absorbed by the skin
dissolved by the intestinal juices, then absorbed through the intestinal wall
warmed to room temperature, then absorbed by the rectal mucosa
dissolved in the mouth, then slowly swallowed
2
Ingesting large amounts of Tylenol (acetaminophen) may lead to liver damage.  If acute liver failure is caused by this drug, then which of the following dosages has the patient received?
Maximal dose
Minimal dose
Toxic dose
Therapeutic dose
3
In monitoring drug therapy, the nurse is aware that a synergistic effect may be defined as
a decrease in the effect of one or both drugs when given together
an increase in the action of one or both drugs when given together
a medication error resulting from giving a drug with a similar name
an decrease of drug bioavailability usually due to low protein levels
2
A patient develops rash and itching five days after beginning penicillin for treatment of a strep throat.  What type of reaction is the patient most likely experiencing?
paradoxical reaction
idiosyncratic reaction
toxic reaction
allergic reaction
4
Antibiotics are substances produced by living cells which are capable of
bactericidal and bacteriostatic action without harm to human cells
alleviation of only minor infections
curing all types of infections
antiseptic action on inanimate objects
1
The sensitivity portion of a culture and sensivity test
determines the pathogen causing the infection
identifies the antibiotic that will best control the infection
determines if the patient is allergic to the antibiotic
identifies the best route of antibiotic administration
2
Which one of the following complaints may indicate that a patient has developed a superinfection?
constipation
sore mouth
tinnitus
joint pain
2
During a visit to the physicians office, a client complains to the nurse that the physician would not prescribe an antibiotic for a head cold.  Which explanation by the nurse regarding the use of antibiotics is best?
Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections.
Antibiotics are ineffective after cold symptoms appear.
Antibiotics only prevent the spread of colds to others.
Antibiotics are used only for immunosuppressed individuals.
1
Broad spectrum antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin) and cephlexin (Keflex) are effective against
gram negative microorganisms
gram positive microorganisms
a wide range of microorganisms
a few microorganisms
3
A 3 year old is being treated for an ear infection.  Which major adverse reaction should be assessed for by the nurse during penicillin therapy?
hypersensitivity
hepatotoxicity
nephrotoxicity
crystalluria
1
A teenager has a severe case of acne vulgaris.  The physician prescribed an oral tetracycline.  What patient teaching is most important?
drink extra low acid fluids
dont sunbathe
take extra vitamin C supplements
report any blurred vision
2
When monitoring drug effects, the nurse is especially mindful of
onset, peak, and duration times
administration, expiration, and discontinuation times
peak, trough, and fasting times
delayed, sustained, and extended times
1
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) has been ordered to alleviate the itching associated with poison ivy.  Shortly after receiving the medication, the patient complains that his mouth is very dry.  Which drug effect is this patient experiencing?
Side effect
Paradoxical reaction
Overdose
Allergic reaction
1
Many drugs are capable of causing anticholinergic-like adverse reactions.  Some examples of anticholinergic-like effects are
hypertension, fluid retention, peripheral edema
rash, rhinitis, sneezing, nasal congestion
polydypsia, elevated blood sugar, nausea and vomiting
blurred vision, confusion, urinary retention
4
A client has been given instructions about taking enteric-coated erythromycin.  Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse a need for further teaching?
"Its important that I finish the entire prescription, even if I dont feel sick anymore."
"I can crush these pills for easier swallowing."
"I should stop taking this medication and call my doctor if I develop a rash."
"I can take these pills with my meals."
2
Tetracycline should not be administered to children under the age of 8 because tetracycline
is absorbed erratically from the GI tract
has a high incidence of adverse reactions
is metabolized poorly and may result in toxicity
may darken permanent teeth and disrupt bone growth
4
A client is admitted with Klebsiella pneumonia and is being treated with gentamicin sulfate (Garamycin).  A nurse should give immediate consideration to the possibility of
increased heart rate
decreased urinary output
postural hypotension
tremors and irritability
2
The nurse helps to minimize a clients risk of aminoglycoside toxicity by
instructing the client to take the medicine with food.
monitoring the clients blood pressure prior to drug administration
encouraging the client to drink at least 2000 mL of fluid daily
weighing the client daily
3
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include
bronchodilation and vasodilation
bronchoconstriction and vasoconstriction
bronchodilation and vasoconstriction
bronchoconstriction and vasodilaton
4
Albuterol (Proventil), a drug often used in the treatment of COPD, acts by
reducing bronchial inflammation
diluting mucous secretions
decreasing production of mucous
dilating the bronchi
4
Which side effect can the nurse expect when the patient is receiving theophylline (Slo-phyllin)?
bronchospasm
hypotension
drowsiness
tachycardia
4
When administering MDI medications, one being a corticosteroid and the other being a bronchodilator, the patient should receive the medications in which order?
Administer the medications in the same order in which they appear on the MAR to maintain consistent hospital drug therapy.
Administer the steroid first to relieve inflammation, thus enabling a better effect of the bronchodilator.
Administer the bronchodilator first to enable better absorption of the steroid.
Administer the medications in the order of patient preference to maintain consistency between hospital drug therapy and home drug therapy.
3
The prescribed dose of the liquid cough suppressant is 15 mL.  This approximates to
2 teaspoons
1 tablespoon
1ounce
2 minims
2
A cough expectorant works by
diluting bronchial secretions
calming the cough control center
depressing the central nervous system
drying bronchial secretions
1
Which instruction regarding the use of a cough expectorant is most appropriate for the nurse to provide?
Overuse of this drug may cause rebound congestion.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking this medication.
Dont take this medication if you have an allergy to eggs.
Increase daily water intake while taking this medication.
4
Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) has been prescribed for your patient to treat nasal congestion.  The patient has read that the use of this medication can cause rebound congestion and asks you for an explanation of this term.  Your best reply would be
It is the increased effectiveness of the drug when it hasnt been used in recent days.
It is the decrease of blood glucose which can occur when this drug is used by diabetics.
It is the increase of blood pressure that can occur in some clients taking this medication.
It is the increase of nasal congestion caused by overuse of this drug.
4
The client  is complaining of nausea, and the nurse administers an antiemetic.  Which intervention has priority for this client after administering this medication?
Instruct the client to call the nurse before getting out of bed.
Evaluate the effectiveness of this medication.
Assess the clients abdomen and bowel sounds.
Tell the client not to eat or drink for at least one hour.
1
When administering an antacid, the nurse should
give with a full glass of water
give with meals
keep the patient NPO for the next 30 minutes
give with an antiemetic
1
Which laxative works best when given with a full glass of water?
Milk of Magnesia
Castor Oil
Mineral Oil
Metamucil
4
Metabolic alkalosis may result from the overuse of
milk of magnesia (MOM)
Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox)
sodium bicarbonate (Alka seltzer)
cimetidine (Tagamet)
3
During a health fair at the local senior citizens community center, a nurse is asked if there are any nonprescription laxatives that should be avoid.  It is most appropriate for the nurse to explain that mineral oil interferes with the absorption of
Vitamin B12
Potassium, Chloride, and Sodium
Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Ascorbic Acid and Thiamine
3
